Lesser Octopus - Eledone cirrhosa

The Lesser Octopus, or Curled Octopus as it is also called, is more common in the cooler waters around the north of the UK. With its phenomenal ability to rapidly change the colour, patterns and texture of its skin to blend with the surroundings, it is quite difficult to spot. Its swimming abilities are quite poor and it is reluctant to swim so once found, it is very easy to observe as it creeps about the bottom.
It feeds on a variety of things but is a heavy predator of shellfish such as the common lobster and edible crab. It regularly invades the creels of fisherman and helps itself to the contents.

Lesser Octopus - Eledone cirrhosa

The Lesser Octopus, or Curled Octopus as it is also called, is more common in the cooler waters around the north of the UK. With its phenomenal ability to rapidly change the colour, patterns and texture of its skin to blend with the surroundings, it is quite difficult to spot. Its swimming abilities are quite poor and it is reluctant to swim so once found, it is very easy to observe as it creeps about the bottom.
It feeds on a variety of things but is a heavy predator of shellfish such as the common lobster and edible crab. It regularly invades the creels of fisherman and helps itself to the contents.

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St Abbs Marine Reserve, Berwickshire

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Lesser Octopus - Eledone cirrhosa

The Lesser Octopus, or Curled Octopus as it is also called, is more common in the cooler waters around the north of the UK. With its phenomenal ability to rapidly change the colour, patterns and texture of its skin to blend with the surroundings, it is quite difficult to spot. Its swimming abilities are quite poor and it is reluctant to swim so once found, it is very easy to observe as it creeps about the bottom.
It feeds on a variety of things but is a heavy predator of shellfish such as the common lobster and edible crab. It regularly invades the creels of fisherman and helps itself to the contents.